There will always be a special place in my heart for Madrid. It was one December weekend, that changed my whole perspective of the meaning of life. It was an awakening of curiosity. It was a wanderlust as you hear so many people describe it. It was this realization: there is so much to explore and so little we know.
Madrid is a lot of things. It's a foodie's utopia, with more than 6000 restaurants and over 5000 bars to choose from. It's a history buff's playground where you can admire beautiful architecture and urban sculptures at every street. It's another city that doesn't sleep. The nightlife is so perpetual, you wonder how people make it to work the next morning. As Hemingway once said, nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they have killed the night.
​
Many experts will tell you can't fully appreciate a city until you have spent a least a week there. In my perspective, all I needed was less than 3 days. Our Perfect Weekend is just a mere suggestion. Our goal is to spark your curiosity...and we hope you live to tell someone your perfect weekend in Madrid.
AUTHOR
Kevin Dao
​
HEADER PHOTO
Jaclyn Lewis​
​
DATE
8 February 2019​
​
PERFECT WEEKEND
PERFECT
WEEKEND
After checking in your hotel or Airbnb, head over to this modern indoor market where you can find the finest tapas, classic cocktails and a beautiful rooftop, if weather permits. Mercado de San Anton is located in Chueca, a neighborhood that has seen a positive transformation over the years. Although the building has been modernized with a terrace and an art gallery, it still retains the old charms like the fruit/veggie stands and meat/fish stalls much associated with Spanish markets.
Let's get another drink. Another rooftop bar you say? Situated on top of the Principal Madrid hotel, you find a gardenesque "terraza." The 360 degree views of Madrid's skyline are stunning. The row of lounge chairs are deceiving similar to a spa or poolside. As you hear the trickling water from the stainless steel garden ponds and take in the stellar city lights, you can't help but say "what a perfect way to end my first night in Madrid."
It's late Saturday morning. Although still jet lagged, your stomach forces you out of bed. It's a beautiful day, so you decide to walk to the historic Los Austrias. There you find San Miguel, another mercado that houses the best Spanish specialities under one roof.
​
Order a glass of white wine with your snack at one puesto (stand) and then try a sparkling wine with your treat at another. When venturing to new major cities and countries, you can pretty much count on there being a market like San Miguel. It is a great way to get a feel of what Madrid has to offer in terms of cuisine.
A short walk from the market, you will discover Chocolatería San Ginés. This cafe has been serving their signature chocolate con churros since 1894. Unlike the loose hot cocoa we have in America, their hot chocolate is perfectly thick for dunking crispy fried dough pastries into it. And guess what? They are open 24 hours! Don't worry. No one will judge you getting this sweet treat for breakfast or as a late night munchie after several drinks. But be prepared to wait in line during peaks times.
Plaza Mayor is the historical center of Madrid. The architecture is uniquely shaped as a rectangle, with various shops, restaurants and apartments. You can find the famous calamari sandwich at nearly every restaurant at this square, each claiming theirs is the best! Unfortunately, this is a breeding ground for cheesy street performers, relentless beggars and hustling street merchants. Watch your purse/wallet! It's pickpocketers central.
Saturday
5:00 PM
Museo Reina Sofia
Paseo del Arte
or
Museo del Prado
Paseo del Arte
After your siesta (and believe me, take that power nap), head over to the Reina Sofia Museum where you can adore the masterpieces of Dali and Picasso. You can also seek inspiration and creativity at the Museo del Prado; only a 10 minute walk from Reina Sofia. There you will see famous works of Francisco Goya, El Greco and Diego Velasquez. No matter which museum you choose, you will leave with more knowledge of Spanish history. Or at least a sense of inspiration.
Tapas crawling is part of Spanish culture. We suggest you do like the Spaniards and bar hop to several different eateries to sample all that Madrid can offer. Typically the Spanish eat very late, after 10 pm. So to hold them over and not self intoxicate too quickly, they eat one special dish the bar/restaurant is known for and then move on to the next place.
Calle de Jesus is excellent because there are so many little places to choose from. You can also venture to other amazing spots in La Latina and Puerta del Sol. Just type these places in Google with the words "tapas crawl" and you'll discover many resources you can refer to.
You partied hard last night. Maybe had a few too many drinks than you remembered. If your stomach can handle it, swing over to HanSo Cafe in Madrid's hipster neighborhood, Malasaña. If coffee is a must, you are at the right place. If all you can stomach is a pastry, they have croissants and matcha cake cookies that could possible soak up that excess alcohol in your system.
What they are really known for are their tostadas (toasts). Get the classic pan con tomate: tomato sauce cooked with olive oil and garlic, spooned right on top of delicious crunchy bread. Or you can order the avocado toast with a sunny side up egg on top. NOW you're a hipster!
Take a break from the concrete jungle and wander between trees and neatly trimmed bushes, resembling a hedge maze from Alice in Wonderland. Especially in the summer, you see the locals taking a siesta on every bench and green patch of grass. You can even rent a rowboat on the lake. Or take random selfies of you mimicking the poses of 18th century statues.
If you must go to one more tapas bar before heading to the airport, try this Basque style restaurant, Tkakolina. Basque country is a region in northern Spain, just west of the French border. They have their own unique culture, cuisine and language. Although we have not travelled to this part of Spain (but hopefully soon), Tkakolina has provided a glimpse of their motherland food with the tastiest looking pintxos (tapas in Basque). We know you don't want to even think about airport food. So savor this moment.
